Episode 39. The Winner’s Choice (1)
As Damon had expected, the banquet hall was in an uproar when it was revealed that Rubin’s choice was none other than Kuze Martin.
“This is really unexpected.”
“Even if you are the winner, isn’t it too easy of a choice?”
Could it be because I grew up among the distinguished retainers of the Roinen Mansion?
Although they couldn’t bring themselves to say it out loud, most of the family thought that Rubin had made a very bad choice.
“Your Majesty, are you really choosing Kuze as your Roinenser? Really?”
When Hamilton asked in a whisper, Rubin nodded calmly. He was unshaken by the tumultuous atmosphere.
It couldn’t be otherwise. Rather, at this moment, Rubin was satisfied with his choice.
‘As expected, at this time, no one knows Kuze’s true nature. Not even his mother.’
Rubinman knew something that no one else present knew.
‘Kuze is not a failure. He is a genius who was born at the wrong time.’
Now that Rubin was eleven, Kuze was thirty-three.
He had just entered the realm of the 4th star. He had just reached the basic levels of the abilities essential to becoming a Roinenser, such as martial arts, weapon handling, acting, and stealth.
But Kuze’s real strength was something else.
‘The very original use of darkness.’
An overwhelming originality that is unparalleled. As they say, he was a kind of eccentric experimenter who had not received much attention before his return. In addition, he had a quiet and slightly gloomy impression.
But beyond that, the experimental spirit that Kuze harbored was truly limitless.
‘It was truly a revolution. It was so revolutionary that it created theories and trends that had never existed before. If we had known about such genius in time, it would have been an excellent weapon for the Assassination Swordsman.’
If things had gone as planned, Kuze would have returned to the Croquison family without being called by any family.
With the stigma of being a failure, he ends up wandering around, being used for small-scale spy missions for the Croquis family.
No matter how genius a person is, if he or she is not used in time, his or her abilities will gradually decline. He or she could not escape the providence of nature. It was at that time that Rubin met him.
Before his return, Rubin met the middle-aged Kuze about two years before the Emperor’s Assassin Sword Suppression. Although he had already passed his prime and was unlikely to achieve great success, his originality was still intact.
“Do you know what happens if you release the smoke in a hemispherical shape and continue to amplify it? You can make that area into a weightless environment for a moment. Now, let’s see.”
What a shock Rubin received at that time.
This is the ‘psychic magic’ that is only possible in the realm of mana, and it was implemented solely through darkness.
But everything has its time. Kuze, whose abilities as an assassin had already declined, was unable to apply his various experiments to actual combat. He was also unable to pass on his theories to anyone.
“I’m sorry. This is all I can show you.”
Kuze, who was unable to properly develop his dark side, was only able to trap a few small stones in zero gravity. It was the end of an undeveloped genius.
‘But this time it’s different. I’m going to give you wings myself.’
It wasn’t important to learn the various techniques Kuze developed. What was more important was to pass on the theories and originality Kuze developed to all other assassins.
Raising the level of all assassin swordsmen to a higher level.
Because one day, everything will be engulfed in war.
At that moment, Siren, who was sitting in the center of the banquet hall, looked around at the Roinens and spoke.
“From this moment on, I will grant you the qualifications of Roinenser.”
The Loinens bowed their heads toward the Siren.
“From today on, be the shadow of the children. And teach them. Everything you know and will know.”
After that, each of the Roinens scattered towards their new masters.
Vikandel, who was considered the most skilled, said his final farewell to Rubin, who he had treated as his master, before going to Kun.
“Vicandel.”
“Yes, your highness.”
“Kun is a guy with excellent fighting instincts. He’s rough and straightforward, so I think he’ll like it if you nurture him.”
It was just a casual remark. Vikander laughed when he heard it, but his eyes were serious.
“I guess you had a special relationship.”
“It’s special. I hope that when we meet again someday, he can at least follow my footsteps.”
“I will keep that in mind.”
Vikander smiled lightly and nodded.
In fact, he was very hurt by the fact that Lord Rubin had chosen Kuze over him. However, he consoled himself by saying that Rubin had a good reason for choosing him.
‘Why on earth did you choose Kuze?’
Although he still didn’t know the reason, Vikander, like a seasoned vassal, didn’t bother asking. He believed that he would eventually find out naturally.
“Please take good care of Kun, Vikander.”
“… … .”
After this moment, Vikander would become Kun’s Roinenser. It could have been like handing a weapon over to someone who might become his enemy, but Rubin trusted his decision.
And I was confident that this was the best outcome for everyone.
“May you reach higher levels.”
After leaving these words, Vikander went to Kun’s side.
And another vassal walking towards Rubin, brushing past Vikander.
It was Kuze Martin.
His face was filled with both joy and embarrassment.
“Master Rubin, it is an honor to be with you.”
“Kuje. Nice to meet you. I’ll be counting on you in the future.”
“It is an honor…”
Rubin recalled the conversation he had with Kuze before his return.
Creating a weightless area with a hemispherical dark cloud.
It was around this time that he first attempted that dark art. It was around the time when Rubin made his second choice and Kuze became the candidate for Lewinser.
“And if you succeed, you must let me know, Kuze.”
“…yes?”
Kuze’s expression became puzzled as if he had been given a riddle by Rubin’s words that continued without context.
——————
faqwiki.us
Join our Discord for new chapter updates!
https://discord.com/invite/xr7SxG5T6V
——————
Rubin added in a voice so small that no one else could hear.
“It’s a hemispherical dark cloud.”
Upon hearing those words, Kuze’s expression changed dramatically once again. This time, his mouth opened slightly, as if he was very surprised.
“Uh, uh, how about that?”
“I’ll be happy to be your experiment partner.”
“yes?”
Rubin extended his hand for a handshake. Kuze could only stand there dumbfounded at the incomprehensible situation.
A lab partner. Not only does he know about my weird research, but he also wants to help me with it? It’s research I’ve been too embarrassed to tell anyone about.
Rubin just smiled brightly at Kuze, who still had a blank expression on his face.
* * *
It’s noon.
The nine families of the Assassin’s Blade headed to the Gilfield Arboretum one by one. Of course, they went through different identities and routes.
Among them, Rubin and Kuze were the last ones to enter the underwater cave.
“In order for a hemispherical cloud to generate weightlessness, an ‘emission act’ that creates the same density and an ‘amplification act’ that continues without interruption must occur sequentially.”
Even though Rubin didn’t say anything in response, Kuze’s mouth showed no signs of stopping. It was like a river whose banks had collapsed. His enthusiasm was incredible.
‘It was only when I got older that my personality became more serious. I shouldn’t have just pretended not to know.’
Perhaps because he had recognized his own worth, Kuze continued to recite his research and discoveries one by one as he walked through the underwater cave.
It was surprising that Kuze was a more talkative person than I had thought, but I didn’t hate the way he immediately showed enthusiasm for his work.
“They all came.”
“Oh, are they all here?”
The two people arrived at the exit before they knew it.
As the two passed through the exit, other contestants who had arrived first and were waiting for the winner approached.
The other participants seemed to be intrigued by the habitat of the Roynecro, which they were seeing for the first time.
However, there were not many places allowed for them.
This is because Roinecrow was not given the right to see the sight of eggs forming like fruits on the branches of the misty old tree, or to see the upper part of the misty old tree.
Since such spaces were only allowed to those of the Roinen bloodline or those who had ascended to the collateral line, they headed straight for the place where they had chosen Roinekrow.
A wide open space at the base of a foggy old tree.
Waiting for their offspring at the cliff-blocking spot were hundreds of adult Roineclaws.
The Roine Crows, holding onto the perpendicular cliff with their sturdy legs. The eyes of the crows waiting to be chosen shone sharply.
Kuze, who was looking at it, let out a small exclamation.
“There are many great Royne Crows.”
That was right. The arboretum was now enjoying its peak, having completely erased the turbulent times it had experienced two years ago.
The Roinecrows who will be chosen by the children this time are the ones who did not even participate in the flight to choose the emperor two years ago.
At first glance, they were all beautiful and large. It was evidence that the entire colony had grown remarkably over the past two years.
‘I guess you did a good job as a king.’
A loud voice welcoming Rubin rang out from the other side.
“Master Rubin!”
The one approaching, waving his hand widely, was Pyunick.
As a bold and lively voice intervened, a crack appeared in the serious atmosphere before the choice.
The cold eyes were fixed on Pyunik like a magic wand. It was the sensitive eyes of the participants, led by Kun.
“Pinick, it’s been a while.”
“How long has it been, Young Master?”
“Shh. Everyone is on edge right now because they have to make a choice.”
At Rubin’s soft advice, Pyunick was surprised and put both hands to his mouth. When he looked around, the eyes were really fierce.
‘I have something to tell you. Tina asked me to tell you something.’
Did he notice that? Rubin met Pyunick’s eyes and nodded once.
“Now, choose Roynecro.”
The moment of choice has arrived. Siren’s declaration followed, and the first to be chosen was Rubin, the winner of the second round.
“Rubin. Go forward and choose your Roinecro.”
Rubin stepped forward from among the participants. All the heads of households and participants followed him.
‘after.’
Hundreds of Roynecros fill the cliffs. Their eyes flash with awe as Rubin approaches.
Grrrrr.
Grrrrr.
The Roinecros already knew. Two years ago, the pure darkness that had purified the misty old tree was Rubin’s.
Growing up in that vast darkness, they all cried out in wooing, wanting to be chosen by Rubin.
Kuze and Pyunik, as well as the other heads of the assassination families and the participants, opened their mouths and their eyes sparkled at the sight they had never seen before.
“What? It’s almost like you’re courting me.”
“Shh, be quiet! You idiot.”
Rubin snickered as he heard the Croquis family scolding Kun.
Now, it’s time to choose.
‘It’s so good that no matter which crow you choose, it won’t be bad.’
The Royne Crows at their peak. They never had this many choices before their return. They were always put on the back burner due to their poor performance.
At that time, the only Roynecro that Rubin could choose from were those that were below average.
But this time it was different.
Before regression, the level of the entire cluster was much higher.
The so-called top-class Royne Crows are usually few in number, but this generation seemed to have nearly double the average.
In other words, it means that this is the golden generation in which the order of selection does not matter. Any of them is a good choice.
‘But still, this is the only one I can choose.’
Rubin stood before the creature lying on the edge of the cliff. It was a strange Roinecro that looked both lazy and arrogant.
“I will choose this Royne Crow.”
The Royne Crow that Rubin had chosen was smaller than the average adult. As expected, the murmurs were heard again.
“Another strange choice.”
“You cheeky brat. You’re acting all show-off.”
“He’s a completely incomprehensible child.”
That makes sense, the one Rubin chose was the one at the bottom of the cliff.
Usually, superior entities of higher rank or higher occupy the upper part of the cliff and look down with their wings spread wide.
Not knowing that fact, the contestants following Rubin chose the crows from the top of the cliff. All the contestants from Kun to Hamil to Blane.
Krrrr- Krrrrrr.
Regardless, Rubin faced Roinecrow head-on, who was larger than him. When Rubin reached out, Roinecrow let out an unpleasant whine.
Kuze approached and spoke worriedly.
“Is that okay? As you know, not all Roinecro accept their masters. Some may even attack their masters.”
At those words, Rubin snickered and laughed. Then, in a childish, innocent tone, he coaxed the crow.
“Hello, nice to meet you. This is my Roinenser, Kuze. We’ll get along well, right? You too, Kuze?”
When Rubin introduced Roinekrow, the one he had chosen, Kuze scratched the back of his head in embarrassment. He was supposed to say hello to Roinekrow.
Kaaaak!
“Your Majesty. It seems that Roinecrow is wary of me.”
“It’s because you have a dirty personality.”
Then the crow croaked once more.
Grrrrr! Kaaaak!
“Stop crying. Now, let’s go.”
It was the moment when Roynecro, chosen by Rubin, leaped into the air and followed Rubin.
Kuze noticed the changes in the numerous Roinecrows remaining on the cliff.
‘Are all the other crows bowing their heads?’
It’s almost as if he’s paying tribute to Roynecro, who followed Rubin.
It was only then that Kuze noticed that this Roinecrow had eye colors that were rare for a crow.
‘Mint color?’
Have you ever seen a Royne Crow with mint colored eyes?
Most of them had black eyes. Only the crow of Siren, the master of Roinenga, had red eyes, which was rare.
“Oh, I think I have an idea for a name. Tina would be nice.”
At these words from Rubin, Tina began to cry again.
Pyunick, who was watching from the side, kept giggling at what was funny. Only then was the child able to whisper in Rubin’s ear.
“Master Rubin. This is a message from Tina that I couldn’t convey to you earlier. Can I tell you now?”
“What is it?”
“Don’t make a mistake and choose correctly, kid.”
